The Punjab government has initiated one of the largest displacements in recent years as devastating floods have created a grave situation across the province. So far, more than 1.46 million people in different regions have been directly affected, while serious concerns are being raised about the rising water level of the River Chenab at Head Trimmu.
Death Toll and Agricultural Losses
According to published reports, at least 17 people have lost their lives due to the severe flooding in the Rivers Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab. This disaster is being described as the worst flood in four decades, having destroyed hundreds of villages and inflicted heavy losses on agricultural lands. A significant portion of standing crops has been submerged, leaving the farming community in crisis.
Causes and Current Situation
The combination of unusually heavy monsoon rains and the release of excess water from Indian dams has triggered the surge in the three major rivers. Officials confirmed that river embankments had to be cut at several points to prevent further loss of life. At present, more than 1,400 villages in Punjab are completely submerged, while authorities have warned that between 700,000 to 800,000 cusecs of water are expected to pass through the Chenab in the next 48 hours, raising fears of further destruction.
Displacement of Population
The evacuation drive has expanded to multiple districts, including Jhang, Shorkot, Khanewal, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Shujaabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, and Alipur. Thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes and move to safer areas.
Water Levels at Headworks
By midnight Friday, the water flow at Head Trimmu was recorded at 117,534 cusecs, which is currently within the normal zone but continues to rise. At Head Marala, the flow decreased to 106,496 cusecs, while Head Khanki and Qadirabad recorded a flow of 305,436 cusecs.
On the River Ravi, the water flow near Narowal remained steady at 95,580 cusecs, but Shahdara recorded an extremely high flood level of 219,770 cusecs. Similarly, at Head Balloki near Pattoki, the flow reached 114,110 cusecs with an upward trend.
On the River Sutlej, the water level at Ganda Singh Wala near Kasur reached an extremely high flood level of 261,053 cusecs. At Bahawalnagar’s Head Sulemanki, the flow was 113,124 cusecs, while Head Islam recorded 52,706 cusecs.
Extent of Damage and Relief Efforts
According to the PDMA, the surge in all three rivers has submerged 1,692 villages, affecting more than 1.46 million people. Over 265,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations. A total of 355 relief camps have been established, sheltering 1,372 individuals, while 6,656 people have been provided medical assistance. Additionally, 90,348 people and 154,980 livestock have been relocated to safety.
District-Wise Details
In the River Chenab, 991 villages were submerged, including 395 in Sialkot, 127 in Jhang, 124 in Multan, 48 in Chiniot, 66 in Gujrat, 51 in Khanewal, 45 in Hafizabad, 41 in Sargodha, 35 in Mandi Bahauddin, and 19 in Wazirabad.
In the River Ravi, 75 villages in Narowal, four in Sheikhupura, and one in Nankana Sahib were submerged, leading to the evacuation of 11,000 people and 4,500 livestock.
In the River Sutlej, 72 villages in Kasur, 86 in Okara, 24 in Pakpattan, 27 in Multan, 23 in Vehari, 104 in Bahawalnagar, and 25 in Bahawalpur were inundated. From these areas, more than 127,000 people and 70,000 livestock were evacuated.
Government Response and Compensation
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that large-scale devastation in Gujranwala and Wazirabad was averted due to exemplary coordination among government departments. He confirmed that tents, food, and medical facilities are being provided to the victims, but clarified that no compensation would be given for damages caused by illegal constructions.
Due to the floods, flight operations at Sialkot International Airport were suspended for 24 hours. However, the runway and terminal remained safe, and drainage operations are underway.
